CENTERBURG — A book, a movie, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have all combined to help tell the tragic story of Bat 21, what some have called the largest rescue operation of the Vietnam War.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of that event, which touched a worldwide audience. The story revolves around Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton (Gene Hackman in the movie), who is shot down behind enemy lines during the waning days of the Vietnam War.
The story also involves a Centerburg graduate, U.S. Air Force Capt. Peter Hayden Chapman II.
The 31-year-old was a pilot flying HH-53, code name Jolly Green 67. His aircraft was shot down while trying to rescue Lt. Col. Hambelton, who was highly sought as the director of surface-to-air countermeasures in Vietnam with top-secret knowledge of U.S. air defense systems.
Initially, another pilot was assigned to fly the rescue mission. However, that individual was married and had a family. Instead, Capt. Chapman volunteered to take the mission — even though he was due to rotate home. Jolly Green 67 took heavy enemy fire while attempting to enter hostile territory eventually crashing, killing all six people on board on April 6, 1972.
Chapman’s remains were later discovered by Vietnamese farmers and identified in 1988. A portion of his remains were buried at the family plot in Lock, and also at Arlington National Cemetery.
To honor the Knox County hero, Centerburg School and the Chapman family have given an award to a student in honor of Capt. Chapman since 1973.
Many of those award recipients will be present at this year’s ceremonies on May 30. The first is scheduled for Eastview Cemetery at 11 a.m., with seating provided. The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will be at the ceremony and also provide a free concert at 2 p.m. at the Centerburg High School auditorium.
The ceremonies will recognize Capt. Chapman’s sacrifice, along with all those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Special speakers will be CMSgt Samual Given, 121st Air Refueling Wing Superintendent and Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Washington and classmate of Capt. Chapman.
